Hornsby eat street and entertainment hub to become a nightlife hotspot

Hornsby Council has received a $200,000 grant from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s $1.94 million Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant Program to establish a SEP in the district’s town centre. 

SEPs allow councils to change trading hours and sound rules within a designated area in consultation with their community to support local shops, businesses, hospitality and entertainment operators to thrive.   

Located within the Transport Oriented Development District (TOD) and within the footprint of the Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan, the SEP trial area includes the town square and mall to foster the area’s bars, clubs, entertainment destinations and live music scene. 

The SEP trial will allow businesses to trade later, establish clear sound regulations, and provide the community and visitors with even more options for a great night out. 

Established SEPs allow councils to future-proof their entertainment precincts by notifying residents and prospective home buyers that they will be living in a defined area where later trading hours and higher levels of sound are supported by council.   

Another 17 local councils across metropolitan and regional NSW, including Tamworth, Fairfield and Burwood, have also expressed interest in establishing SEPs.  

In response to this demand, the NSW Government has also increased the available funding pool from $1 million to $1.94 million – meaning more councils will be able to fast-track their SEP planning. 

The NSW Government is committed to supporting the rollout of more SEPs across NSW to help grow the state’s vibrant, accessible, safe and diverse night-time economy. 

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/vibrancy-reforms/seps  

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: 

“Our Office has been working with businesses in the Hornsby area for the last couple of years now. Initiatives like the return of the Twilight Markets show there is appetite for audiences to engage with locally led entertainment options. 

“We hope that the Special Entertainment Precinct grant will help build momentum, improving not only the amenity for Hornsby locals but for the audiences in the North West and Central Coast as well.” 

Hornsby Mayor Warren Waddell said: 

“As Mayor of Hornsby Shire, I’m passionate about transforming Hornsby Town Centre into a vibrant, active and connected destination that the whole community may enjoy both day and night. We are pleased that Council’s vision, as outlined in our Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan, is now on the horizon thanks to the NSW Government’s designation of Hornsby as a Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct.   

“This grant for our Special Entertainment Precinct will bring us one step closer to a vibrant town centre in Hornsby, making it a place for families to gather and enjoy themselves in the evenings after work and on weekends. We thank the New South Wales government for its contribution to the future of Hornsby Shire and look forward to more such investment in delivering the Hornsby Transport Oriented Development precinct.  

“I’m confident that the Hornsby of tomorrow will be a recreational destination of choice offering a family friendly mix of dining, entertainment and cultural experiences.”